Master Hed Mohammad Shirzai is a prominent figure in the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), particularly recognized for introducing modern ITF Taekwon-Do to Afghanistan. He holds the titles of "Father of Modern ITF Taekwon-Do in Afghanistan and Pakistan" and is the founder of the All Afghanistan National Taekwon-Do Association (AANTA) currently he is also Vice President of United States Official Taekwon-Do Organization USOTO and Pan American Taekwon-Do Council Member PANAM ITF
Key highlights of his career:
AANTA Founder: He established the All Afghanistan National Taekwon-Do Association (AANTA) on November 6, 1993, in Kabul. He is currently the organization's Honorary Life President.
ITF pioneer: He is the first person in Afghanistan to receive an International Dan Certificate from the founder of Taekwon-Do, the late General Choi Hong Hi.
Pioneer in Pakistan: After relocating to Pakistan in 1993, he also became the first person to introduce modern ITF Taekwon-Do there.
International recognition: His accomplishments include organizing international seminars and receiving awards such as the ITF Order Shield and Star Chest Medal.
Author: He is the author of History & Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do ITF, a resource on the history and technical content of the martial art.
Recent activities: In recent years, he has continued to be an active leader in the Taekwon-Do community, participating in international events and leading seminars.
Mr. Noor Mohammad Shirzai is a 6th Dan Taekwon-Do athlete,
international instructor, and umpire. Originally from Afghanistan, he is a national and international champion who has represented his country in world championships. Career and contributions inTaekwon-Do:
Shirzai has over 27 years of experience in the martial art and was the Secretary of the All Afghanistan National Taekwon-Do Association.
As of 2023, he was working toward his 7th Dan and Master title.
Business: He is the founder and CEO of HMS Original
Mentorship: Shirzai is dedicated to empowering young people through martial arts, helping his students develop discipline, respect, and resilience.
Noor Mohammad Shirzai occupations and biographies.
Noor Mohammad Shirzai has had a distinguished career in Taekwon-Do, marked by both athletic achievements and leadership roles within the sport.
Here are some of his career highlights:
Rank: Shirzai holds the rank of 6th Dan in Taekwon-Do, He is reportedly working towards his 7th Dan and Master title as of 2023.
Championships: He is recognized as both a national and International Taekwon-Do champion. The specific championships are not named in the search results.
Representation: Shirzai has represented Afghanistan in world Taekwon-Do championships. The search results mention his father participating in the 2015 World Championships in Bulgaria, but it is not explicitly stated whether Noor Mohammad Shirzai competed in that same event.
Leadership: He served as the Secretary of the All Afghanistan National Taekwon-Do Association (AANTA) and held the position of Data Protection Coordinator for the Asia ITF TKD Dojang (HQ Kabul) and AANTA. AANTA is the official representative of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) in Afghanistan.
Instruction: Shirzai is a certified international instructor and umpire. He has dedicated over 27 years to the martial art and focuses on empowering young people through Taekwon-Do, emphasizing discipline, respect, and resilience.
Legacy: He is described as someone who believes in earning rank through merit, performance, and selfless service, upholding the core ethics of Taekwon-Do.
Mrs. Nodima Rahimzoda is an international Taekwon-Do champion, accomplished coach, and trailblazing leader who has dedicated her life to martial arts and youth empowerment. With more than 14 years of teaching experience, she has guided hundreds of students toward success, instilling in them discipline, confidence, and the spirit of perseverance.
As a decorated athlete, Mrs. Rahimzoda has proudly represented her country in World, Asian, and International Championships, earning gold, silver, and bronze medals across multiple divisions. Her competitive record reflects not only her skill but also her determination to excel at the highest levels of Taekwon-Do.
Beyond competition, she has made history with her leadership:
Appointed as a UN Women Ambassador for Tajikistan, she used her platform to promote equality and empowerment through sports.
Became the first woman in Afghanistan to establish an official ITF Taekwon-Do Female Team, a groundbreaking achievement that paved the way for countless girls to participate in martial arts for the first time.
Today, as the Co-Founder and Head Coach of American Champions Taekwon-Do in Roseville, California, Mrs. Rahimzoda continues to inspire students of all ages. She combines her international experience with a passion for teaching, creating an environment where students feel motivated to grow into champions on the mats and leaders in life.
Her journey from international champion to community leader is proof that with discipline, courage, and vision, anything is possible.